Job Search Resources

Rapid Reemployment Initiative connects displaced employees to employers who are currently hiring. This initiative is the result of a unique alliance between state, national and non-profit workforce agencies. The virtual labor exchange provides key information and a digital forum bringing together job seekers, employers seeking to hire, downsizing employers and workforce development professionals. Learn more about this initiative by visiting the Department of Labor and Workforce Development here.

Job Fairs are designed to help employers find qualified employees. They also offer job seekers an easy way to make contact with companies that are currently hiring. To find information about current Job Fairs being held throughout the state visit this Jobs4Jersey.

For those who are considering a new career path, the mission of Learn How to Become is to help students (or other aspiring professionals) understand what it takes to land their perfect career, from picking the right school all the way to climbing the company ladder. This website provides a one-stop, comprehensive resource that can guide individuals through each of the steps they need to take to begin, further, or change their career path. It offers innovative tools and information for those who are still uncertain of what road to follow.

Corporate Sites Research the companies within commuting distance to your home and visit their websites. Most will have a portion of their site dedicated to current employment opportunities and you should be able to submit your application online.

Local Employment Events Seminars and job training opportunities are sometimes offered by local organizations. As we hear of events of this nature we will post them below.

Family Success Centers A great resource for many family services is the local Family Success Center. These centers are located in every county in the state and their mission is to help families in-need. As such they often run fun and supportive events that bring people together in a nurturing environment where they can access basic skills training pertaining to employment resources, financial empowerment, housing services, food programs and more.

Labor Organizations Sites that are devoted to subjects that relate to workers like the AFL-CIO have a wide assortment of helpful tips and many associated resources.

Networking Opportunities Reach out to former colleagues and others you know who are currently working or may have vital connections with others in the workforce. Make sure they know about your skills and your eagerness to work. If you have a resume, don’t be shy - pass it along to them and encourage them to provide it to employers who are looking to hire.

Health Insurance

If you had health insurance while you were working, maintaining that coverage after you have lost your job is often possible through a program known as COBRA (The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). COBRA generally requires that group health plans sponsored by employers with 20 or more employees in the prior year offer employees and their families the opportunity for a temporary extension of health coverage (called continuation coverage) in certain instances where coverage under the plan would otherwise end.

COBRA outlines how employees and family members may elect continuation coverage. It also requires employers and plans to provide notice. Qualified individuals must elect to receive this coverage within 60 days of receiving the notice and may be required to pay the entire premium for coverage up to 102 percent of the cost to the plan.

This plan is tied to your previous employer’s health insurance plan. If your previous employer no longer provides health insurance to current workers, you will not be eligible for COBRA benefits.

You may be able to still obtain health insurance outside of the yearly Open Enrollment Period if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or for Medicaid or CHIP. Find out if you can still get coverage here. You can find out where to get assistance with applying for coverage here.

Unemployment Benefits Appeal Rights

Every determination that affects your eligibility for unemployment benefits will be given to you in writing. If you disagree, you have the right to file an appeal. Your appeal rights are printed on each determination you receive.

A determination becomes final unless a written appeal is filed within seven calendar days after delivery or within ten calendar days after the mailing of the determination. An appeal period can be extended if good cause for late filing is shown. Good cause exists in situations where it can be shown that the delay was due to circumstances beyond your control that could not have been reasonably foreseen or prevented.

Your appeal letter must include your name, Social Security Number, telephone number and address. In addition, give your reasons for disagreeing with the determination and, if you file late, the reason for the delay. Learn more about your rights to an appeal.

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